Monday’s test event at Bramley-Moore has, apart from the first experience of seeing the stadium, being inside it and watching a game of football, started the debate on the travel plans for supporters, infrastructure plans for the future and the initial responses from leading local politicians.
One of the purposes of test events is, of course, to test the reality of real experiences, what the planners and politicians thought was necessary, and kick start a process that makes good any shortfalls or failings in short-term and in terms of longer, more strategic planning.
Reality check
Whatever planning assumptions have been made, whatever investment has occurred so far and by whom, whatever is currently planned for the future, the fact is (from my perspective, at least) that all of the above is totally inadequate.
The question is, how can we best move forward, solve as many of the immediate problems in time for the start of the 25/26 season, create and agree viable medium term solutions and for us all to do what is necessary to make Bramley-Moore the cornerstone, the keystone, of the regeneration of the north of Liverpool and beyond?
What is clear, is that point scoring, the placing of blame on past decisions, political games, and a failure to recognise the big picture here has no place, from this point forwards. If we are going to fulfil the potential of our club, the stadium and perhaps most importantly of all improve not only the match going experiences of fans but drive the economic regeneration of North Liverpool, then we must unite, put differences aside and work towards a common goal.
Historically, Liverpool (and on the Wirral) docks have driven the enormous wealth creation that made Liverpool one of the most important cities outside of London. Even within many of our life-times, Liverpool was a major economic as well as cultural and sporting centre. Whilst it is unlikely Bramley-Moore can have such a profound effect, it will accelerate economic development once more and certainly help from a sporting perspective.
Leadership required
However we need leadership and to put differences to one side. We cannot continue the tired cliche driven politics of the past, nor, in the case of Everton specifically, can we fail to grab this opportunity and lead, not only as custodians of fan interests, but the wider interests of the city. We can truly live up to being the senior club in the city.
With leadership we must look forward and not just to the past. That includes proportioning blame. Today, on BBC Radio Merseyside, Steve Rotheram debated with Councillor Carl Cashman, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Liverpool, their responses to the understandable concerns re transport plans.
I’ve included both the transcript and audio recordings of the interview below.
Metro Mayor Rotheram & Councillor Cashman BBCRM Interview (transcript)
I cite this interview, not to apportion blame, but to make the point, what we are talking about here has far greater significance than this interview gives credit for.
The travel situation absolutely impacts football fans, in particular Everton Fans. It will impact the match going experience of fans. See below the letter sent by the fans forum:
It may at the margin, effect the commercial attractiveness of Bramley Moore. That has implications for our new owners, our football club and the wider regeneration. It could be the butterfly effect in reverse.
That in turn affects the catalyst effect of Bramley-Moore on the regeneration of North Liverpool.
I’m not a politician, nor (any longer) a resident of Liverpool. Yet, I’ve talked to many politicians, including Steve Rotheram about the good Bramley-Moore can do for Liverpool. I’ve witnessed in London, my UK base, the massive regenerative effects transport infrastructure can have. I’ve spoken to London based and national politicians about how the use of appropriate bodies, sometimes newly constructed, can have on urban regeneration. Look at the examples of Mayoral Development Corporations in London and Manchester – yes, Manchester, 30 miles down the road. They plan more of these structures to attract capital and to ease development, creating employment and higher living standards.
The UK government has a growth agenda – not only should we be part of that but we (the city of Liverpool) should be leading it
We, ( a rather large collective we) can achieve this in Liverpool and within the combined authorities. Current politicians, Everton Football Club and other private sector entities can combined with the right structures accessing public funding create all that is dreamed of, and was dreamed of when Bramley-Moore was first thought of, over seven years ago.
Liverpool and the people of Liverpool
We are a unique city, the people of Liverpool with the greatest of respect elsewhere, we are unique. The people of Liverpool have incredible qualities, it’s time we remembered that and used it collectively.
The importance of football in our city is unsurpassed anywhere else. Everton and Liverpool FC are both contributors to that. Everton are the senior club in the city – we’ve built three grounds and developed the game so much more than that, despite all the odds.
It’s time we, Everton Football Club and the city of Liverpool unite and build on the past, on the present (Bramley-Moore) and create a new future.
We can do it – we need leadership, vision and the ability to resource our ambitions. Bramley-Moore is the start of that – lets not miss this opportunity – demand more from the club, from the local politicians, the private sector and our Government – this is our opportunity, let’s not waste it.
We can’t afford to do things how we have in the past, time for new thinking, new expectations and new standards of delivery.